MOVING AND NEED ADVICE ON TAKING STRAY WITH US!

[Catmomma508]

have been taking care of a stray for a couple of years now. He’s an outside cat. His owners are actually behind my neighborhood but they dont take care of him and he found me. I hug him, feed him, built him a warm shanty with a heated blanket, took him to the vet for an injury and paid to have him checked, vaccinated and got him all vaccines and shots. I also have indoor cats. He’s not a fan of them but I’m sure it’s because he doesn’t know them. We are moving out of state and I’m thinking of taking him with us. I want him to be I doors only and I’m not sure that can happen. If I leave him behind, will he be “lost” ? I need help making the de vision because it’s an 8 hour trip so there will be no turning back. Let also add that he has not been absent from my deck for a day since I started feeding him 2 years ago. His owners left him to fend for himself.

 

[Lennybells]

Since he technically has “owners” then that would be considered stealing. Not sure about the neglect part of the equation, but is it possible to ask the owners? If they don’t care about the cat then they might not make an issue and just let you take the cat. That would save some legal issues. Just an idea. Hope your move goes smoothly!!

 

[Catmomma508]

View attachment 477028

View attachment 477030

Since he technically has “owners” then that would be considered stealing. Not sure about the neglect part of the equation, but is it possible to ask the owners? If they don’t care about the cat then they might not make an issue and just let you take the cat. That would save some legal issues. Just an idea. Hope your move goes smoothly!!

Since he technically has “owners” then that would be considered stealing. Not sure about the neglect part of the equation, but is it possible to ask the owners? If they don’t care about the cat then they might not make an issue and just let you take the cat. That would save some legal issues. Just an idea. Hope your move goes smoothly!!

yes I get it . They’ve been contacted several time from me in the last year and do not return calls. All winter he stayed right by my door in his heated luxury condo (lol) house I bought for him and insulated heavily. I asked them to come and get him because of how cold it was outside. They never came. It’s sad. Some people don’t deserve animals.

 

[Norachan]

Do you still have all the receipts from his vet visits? Take him back to the vet, get him microchipped and registered in your name, keep all the vet records and receipts. That makes him legally yours. It's obvious that in his head he already is your cat, so you should take him with you for sure. His owners don't care for him, it would be heart breaking if he was abandoned a second time.

I moved house with a colony of 23 feral cats about ten years ago. Some of them I couldn't handle at all, so one outdoor cat that lets you hug him will be a piece of cake. All of mine happily transitioned to being indoor/enclosure only cats.

As you are moving to a new home none of your cats will regard the new place as their territory yet. That will make the introductions go a lot easier. Start by giving your cats and this outdoor cat their own safe space. A room filled with things that smell of home, such as their beds, cat scratchers and litter boxes. Once everyone has settled into the new place you can start the introductions.

How To Help A New Cat Adjust To Your Home - TheCatSite

How To Successfully Introduce Cats [The Ultimate Guide] - TheCatSite

Keep in mind that it can take around 30 days for cats to feel at home in a new place, so you should take things really slowly. Let the cats go at their own pace and be prepared to redo any stages of the introductions that don't go well.

He's a lovely boy and very lucky to have you. What's his name?

 

[Catmomma508]

I do. I also micro chipped him because my vet wanted my name and address with him lol. He’s 12 yrs old and I’m 98% sure he’s my rescued cats brother. She’s also 12 and they are identical.

He has been stalking our house for many years but wouldn’t come to me until a couple of years ago finally. I think he was watching his sister.

 

[shadowsrescue]

Please take him with you! He is definitely your cat. I brought in 3 feral cats almost 7 years ago when we moved. I had been caring for them on my deck for many years. I knew when I moved I needed a great place for them as I really felt inside was best. I also had other inside cats. I only moved an hour away but I understand how you would be worried about an 8 hour drive. I would talk to your vet about some gabapentin. It makes a cat very loopy as well as calm. You can even get it compounded if needed. It lasts around 6-8 hours.

I had a safe room for the 3 feral boys. I made sure it was completely cat proofed. I had very little furniture in it at first. I did provide multiple litter boxes as well as some cat perches.

I had to retrap all 3 of them which was definitely the hardest part. I had them inside at my old house first. I then had a mobile vet come and test them for FIV and FELV since at some point they would be introduced to my 3 other cats.

I was a nervous wreck, but let me tell you that it all worked out well. When they first got to their safe room, they did freak out a bit. One of them banged up against the window and yowled. I closed the blinds and played soft cat music for them. I also gave them some liquid Composure to keep them calm. Two of them hid under a small chair for awhile. The other one was out and about and so happy to be inside. They all used the litter box with absolutely no accidents. I used Dr. Elsey Litter Attract at first.

Getting them used to being inside was my first step. Second step was the move. Third was getting them settled in the new house and their new safe room. Lastly was intros to the other 3 cats. I will say the intros were the hardest. It took time and patience. Yet they all adjusted.

I will tell you that it is the best decision I ever made. I no longer have to worry about their safely each and every night. They are safe, loved and very happy. It does take time and there will be moments you want to put him outside. But if you make a plan and move slowly it will all work out.

Another option is to build him a catio where he is safe outside but cannot roam. I would try to have him adjust to inside first, but this way you would have a backup plan if needed.

We are all here to help. There are so many knowledgeable cat lovers here.

 

[fionasmom]

If I leave him behind, will he be “lost” ?

Yes. His owners are not going to change once you are gone. The only thing that will change is that the cat will have no one to care for him.

His owners left him to fend for himself.

I have adopted cats in identical situations to the one that you have. Long term care of a neighborhood pet who was entirely ignored by the owner and was dependent on the care that I gave them.

They’ve been contacted several time from me in the last year and do not return calls. All winter he stayed right by my door in his heated luxury condo (lol) house I bought for him and insulated heavily. I asked them to come and get him because of how cold it was outside. They never came. It’s sad. Some people don’t deserve animals.

I would take this as a "no" in response to the question of whether or not they want the cat and I would not inquire again.

 

[Catmomma508]

Thank you … all of you!! He is going with us! I’ve been back and forth with myself about this for a few months and I can’t leave him behind knowing he will be at the back door looking for me daily and the folks that bought my house are putting up a 6ft fence because they have 2 dogs. He will be completely shut out. He’s a sweet boy and very healthy according to my vet. My husband has come around lol because he knows he really doesn’t have a choice . I have the Gabapentin and we’ve done a trial run with all of our babies including him. It works great and they should be fine. He will be up front with me so the others aren’t stressed for the trip! I’ve been bringing him into our house for months carrying him and not letting him get down. He makes “biscuits” on my arm and head buttes me the entire time lol. Today I sat on my cool kitchen floor by the patio and opened the door. I coaxed him in and he stayed just inside the door and laid beside my legs on the cool floor. It’s near 90 here today. Lots of cold water, shade, and a cold wet wash cloth made him feel so good this morning lol. Here’s a photo of my other 3 b/w kitties. Totally coincidental by the way. The one in the front is his sister I’m sure and the one with the white mustache is their “momma.” We have no doubt. The other 2 were rescued by us from the woods by our back yard and the stray has been hanging out around our house for years but always ran as soon as I opened the door.

 

[Catmomma508]

Yes. His owners are not going to change once you are gone. The only thing that will change is that the cat will have no one to care for him.

I have adopted cats in identical situations to the one that you have. Long term care of a neighborhood pet who was entirely ignored by the owner and was dependent on the care that I gave them.

I would take this as a "no" in response to the question of whether or not they want the cat and I would not inquire again.

I totally agree. I love this group. You have all been so helpful. Truly. He’s going to be spoiled rotten just like my other babies. They live a life of luxury lol and in our new home they’ll have their own sun room on a lake!

 

[Lennybells]

Yay! Enjoy your furbaby and I hope you enjoy your new home!

 

[shadowsrescue]

I totally agree. I love this group. You have all been so helpful. Truly. He’s going to be spoiled rotten just like my other babies. They live a life of luxury lol and in our new home they’ll have their own sun room on a lake!

My boys have a sun room too! Not on a lake but over looking a beautiful forest. It made the transition so nice since they had 3 walls of windows to look outside.

I am so happy you will take him along! You won't regret it at all. Please keep us updated here.

Your clan is beautiful. Are they all black and white or do you have others?

I have 6 cats now ( I had 7 but lost one last year). They are all strays or feral rescued from my back yard. All males too.

 

[Catmomma508]

3 b/w and a blonde lol. And soon to be 4 b/w.

 

[fionasmom]

Please keep us posted as to how this story plays out as you make your big move with your new family member!

 

[Norachan]

I'm so glad to hear he's going with you. You're definitely making the best decision.

I love your cats! I have 3 tuxedos too. And a bunch of tabby ones.

 

[Catmomma508]

Please keep us posted as to how this story plays out as you make your big move with your new family member!

They’ll be traveling in style, each with their own roomy condo lol. Thank god I have a 4Runner lol!

 

[shadowsrescue]

They will be traveling in style. Those are awesome. When is moving day?

 

[Mamanyt1953]

After hearing that you had contacted the owners with no response, every tiny hesitation I had about your taking him with you was utterly gone. That's animal abandonment, and is illegal in some places (those laws vary WILDLY). He is yours, and officially yours. Y'all enjoy each other!

 

[Catmomma508]

His first night in. Bad storms tonight so I fixed his room up and he’s a happy camper! Purring and sleeping on his heated blanket .

 

[shadowsrescue]

That is just fantastic!!! He will be an easy one to adjust to inside living!

 

[Catmomma508]

UPDATE!!! 6-25-24 … our “stray” has adjusted effortlessly. He’s very happy being an indoor cat. He loves his new home!